BARNSLEY have appointed the services of Manchester United director and lawyer Maurice Watkins ahead of a possible legal action against Sheffield United.
The Tykes may yet seek damages from the Blades after striker Iain Hume suffered a fractured sk
ull in a challenge with defender Chris Morgan.
Watkins is one of the most respected lawyers in the game and is also representing West Ham against the Blades in the on-going 'Carlos Tevez affair.'
Hume, who cost £1m in the summer, has been ruled out for the rest of the season and there are also question marks surrounding his long-term future.
The Football Association have yet to announce whether Morgan will be charged with violent conduct over the incident during a South Yorkshire derby at Oakwell earlier this month.
Hume is recovering at home after being released from Salford Royal Hope Hospital earlier this week. Despite his absence, Barnsley manager Simon Davey ruled out any move for a replacement ahead of today's trip to Preston North End.
"Losing Iain is a big blow but we will be going with what we have got," said Davey. "We have Jon Macken, Kayode Odejayi, Miguel Mostto, Maceo Rigters and Michael Coulson so we have cover in that position."
Victories in three of their last four games have lifted Barnsley into mid-table and only 13 points separate the top six from the bottom three.
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